Dog Nutrition

The three energy sources used by the body are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Digestible carbohydrates are the sugars and the starches. Cellulose, pectin, and gums are the carbohydrates that are termed fibres and are minimally digestible. The simple sugars, called monosaccharide, are glucose, fructose, and galactose. These carbohydrates are in the smallest form and do not need to be broken down to be absorbed by the intestine. The disaccharides are sucrose, maltose, and lactose and are compounds composed of two of the simple sugars. The starches are complex carbohydrates, polysaccharides that are long chains composed of the simple sugars. Disaccharides and polysaccharides need to be broken down enzymatically to be absorbed by the intestine. Carbohydrates have an energy yield of 3.5 kcal per gram.

Protein is both an energy source and a source of amino acids. High-quality animal source proteins provide superior digestibility, amino acid balances, and palatability. Exercise increases your pet's protein requirement. Exercise places excess demands upon the body which result in tissue disruption and occasionally tissue damage. These tissues must be remodelled and repaired which can result in an increased protein demand. This demand can be met by increased protein ingestion. Protein can also be used for an energy source with an energy yield of 3.5 kcal per gram.

Fat is used by the body for energy and can be used as a metabolic water source. Fats are highly digestible, very palatable, and are an energy dense nutritional ingredient. It has an energy yield of 8.5 kcal per gram. They are also essential for the absorption of the fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K. Fat provides a source of metabolic water. Fat metabolism produces 107 g of water for every 100 grams of fat. Protein produces 40g water/100g protein, and carbohydrate produces 55g water/100 g carbohydrate. Fatty acid ratio can also help to reduce the production of inflammatory mediators in canine skin, plasma, and neutrophils. Dietary omega-6:omega-3 fatty acid ratios between 5:1 and 10:1 are optimum.

Vitamins and minerals are also very important in the canine athlete. Some important vitamins are A, D, E, K, and the B-complex vitamins, especially thiamine, niacin, and cyanocobolamine (B1, B3, and B12). Vitamin A plays a role in ligament and tendon health. Vitamin D is important in maintaining the calcium and phosphorus balance. Vitamin E is a very important anti-oxidant. It acts to maintain cell membrane stability, which is very important in dogs that use their olfactory senses, i.e. pointing breeds, detector dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Vitamin K is important to maintain proper blood conditions in the canine athlete. Thiamine helps to minimize the effects of stress related to competition and performance. Niacin aids in carbohydrate metabolism, and is required for red blood cell production. Cyanocobolamine is essential for synthesis of protein and formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin.

Most vitamin needs are met with a normal high quality diet, but in certain situations supplementation can be beneficial to performance.